Sunday, September 21, 2008

Introducing American Gothic

After numerous false starts, we're finally starting the Shaun Cassidy series American Gothic on Wednesday night.

I found it to be the first supernatural show in the wake of Twin Peaks to truly establish a sense of place in the town of Trinity, South Carolina. A town populated with rich characters ranging from the young Lucas Black as Caleb Temple to the strong presence of Gary Cole as Sheriff Lucas Buck, Paige Turco as the strong willed Gail Emory, and Jake Weber as Doctor Matt Crower. The show was also filled with fantastic supporting players and guest stars.

Produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, it was a well written, great looking show. I had recorded the show off broadcast televsion as it aired, and even acquired six unaired episodes from overseas broadcasts. I was thrilled to finally throw those out when the series was released on DVD a few years back. Unfortunately, for most viewers who watch the set, the order in which the episodes were placed on the set is somewhat erratic.

We'll be watching them in the preferred order, and while we can argue the merits of the resolution of the one-season gem all in good time, I can assure you that it doesn't end like The Prisoner. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

We hope to see you all on Wednesday nights in the weeks and months ahead. I think you just might be pleasantly surprised.